Day 1 ★ 12 Days of Giving
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 9:22
What does it mean when people say it is better to give than to receive? This is a question I have been mulling over the last few weeks. Christmas is in the air and so is the retail push to buy things. I think some people get so caught up in how many people they have to buy for and how much it is going to cost them that they forget the joy that can come with giving! I know that it is easier for some to give than others, but I believe there is a natural law that exists (just like the law of gravity) that brings a whole new meaning to what goes around comes around. ”Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
I went to a store the week of Thanksgiving and saw my first volunteer this season from The Salvation Army ringing the bell. It always take me back to my childhood when I see those red kettles. I remember walking hand in hand with my Granddad who liked to take me shopping to pick out a present. He always stopped at the red kettle and deposited some money whenever we passed one. He told me that I should always put money into them when I came across one because The Salvation Army had helped him at one point in his life in a time of need. I have been affected by what he said ever since. I can honestly say that I do not pass a red kettle without depositing something (even just spare change) unless I have absolutely no cash on me. I do not say this for any other reason than to let you know that I will be forever affected by what my Granddad taught me that day. I am always in awe of the people that give of their time and stand in the cold ringing that bell. I am thankful for the stores that still allow The Salvation Army to stand in front of their stores ringing their bells with the red kettle, because to me, it wouldn’t be Christmas without them.
Below are a just a few of the amazing people that stand in the bitter cold ringing those bells, usually with a smile on their face and a “Merry Christmas” on their lips. People like Wayne, who I watched stand outside on one of the coldest days we have had in Lubbock this year (the first snow) opening the door for patrons and smiling as he did it. He has rang the bell in the cold for The Salvation Army for the past 3 years. The Salvation Army is always looking for bell ringers. If you are interested in helping, check out their website or contact your local Salvation Army.
I visited with Rudy last week just before he and others from The Salvation Army along with volunteers went out into the city of Lubbock for “Survive the Night”. They delivered gloves, hats, scarves, socks, hand and feet warmers, and soup to those who were getting ready for a night filled with snow, wind, and forecast with a low of 9°. They brought any that they could to the shelter and did everything they could to help all “survive the night”.
The Salvation Army does many things for many people in need…nearly 30 million Americans each year. So when you put money in this online red kettle, or any red kettle you see this season, expect change. The money donated to The Salvation Army changes lives for the better. I would love if you would consider joining me in supporting The Salvation Army’s online Red Kettle 2011 by making a donation to our kettle today. Together we can brighten the holidays of millions of people in need by helping provide them with clothes, meals, shelter, and more.
